Portugal Golf

Senior Golf Heads North: A Day at Estela

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The fifth leg of Portugal’s national senior Order of Merit drew sixty competitors to one of the rarest courses in continental Europe

The 5th National Order of Merit tournament of the Associação Nacional de Seniores de Golfe (ANSG) took place at Estela Golf Club in Póvoa de Varzim on 24 May 2026. Sixty players made the trip, with two of the competition’s largest delegations travelling from Viseu and the Algarve — a sign of how far the national senior circuit now reaches. (apsgolfe.pt)

A Rare Setting

Estela holds a particular distinction in Portuguese golf. Situated on the Atlantic coast north of Porto, it is considered a pure links — one of the very few courses of its kind in continental Europe. The fairways presented in immaculate condition on the day, drawing unanimous praise from competitors, and mild weather ensured play ran smoothly from first tee to final putt.

Estela Golf Course North Portugal

The Results

Competition across all four categories was closely fought throughout.

In Seniores, António Viegas took the net title with 37 points, ahead of José Vale on 35. The gross prize went to Rui Batista Santos.

Super Seniores saw Ignácio Fierro claim net honours on 36 points, with José Manuel Castro second on 35. James Thomson was the gross winner.

In Master Seniores, António Lobo led net on 37 points, ahead of Michell Fichaux on 35. Mário Casimiro Paiva took the gross prize with 23 points.

5th National Order of Merit Tournament Winners

The Senhoras competition was among the most closely contested of the day. Isabel Guedes won net on 35 points, Fátima Pitta second on 33. Margarida Sampaio claimed the gross prize, with Maria José Pinto in second. Pedro Carvalho of ACP Golfe was named best guest.

Nearest the Pin honours went to : Hole 2: José Vale  |  Hole 4: Margarida Sampaio  |  Hole 12: Maria José Pinto  |  Hole 17: João Souto

After the Round

Competitors gathered for a well-regarded post-round lunch before the prize-giving and a tombola closed out the day. The ANSG circuit has earned its reputation on exactly this kind of occasion: competitive golf taken seriously, followed by an afternoon taken well.

5th National Order of Merit Tournament Lunch
Portugal’s senior golf community travels. From the Algarve to Viseu, players make the journey — and Estela, on the Atlantic coast north of Porto, is worth every kilometre.

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For those looking to explore the courses of the north, Tee Times has golf breaks around Porto to suit every itinerary.

A Perfect Morning at Pine Cliffs Golf Course

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A review by our CEO, Mr. Carlos Ferreira — sharing his morning on one of the Algarve’s most celebrated coastal layouts.

This morning I had the pleasure of playing at the beautiful Pine Cliffs Resort golf course, and it truly reminded me why golf in the Algarve is considered among the best in Europe. From the moment the sun rose over the Atlantic coastline, the conditions were simply spectacular. Clear blue skies, warm sunshine, and a light ocean breeze created the perfect setting for an unforgettable round.

Tee Times CEO Carlos Ferreira

The course itself was presented in excellent condition. The fairways were immaculate, offering consistent lies throughout the round, while the greens were particularly impressive — fast, firm, and extremely true. Players had to be fully focused on every putt and approach shot, as the pace of the greens demanded precision and good course management. It was the kind of setup that rewards quality golf while still remaining enjoyable for players of all levels.

One of the most striking things this morning was the atmosphere around the course. There was a tremendous turnout, with close to 200 golfers enjoying the magnificent conditions throughout the day. Despite the high number of players, the pace of play remained surprisingly smooth and efficient. Our group completed the front nine in under two hours, which is excellent considering how busy the course was. Credit must go to both the players and the course management for maintaining such a good rhythm during peak conditions.

On the Green Pine Cliffs

Of course, no visit to Pine Cliffs would be complete without mentioning its breathtaking scenery. The dramatic red cliffs, the panoramic ocean views, and the beautifully maintained landscape make every hole memorable. Even between shots, it is impossible not to stop for a moment and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the course. Few places combine championship golf and coastal scenery quite as effortlessly as Pine Cliffs. For anyone planning a golf break along this stretch of coast, Pine Cliffs is reason enough on its own.

Pine Cliffs Resort Aerial View

The signature par-3 sixth hole, famously played across the cliffs, continues to be one of the most iconic golf holes in Portugal. Standing on the tee box with the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly behind the green is an experience that never gets old. It is one of those rare holes where every golfer instinctively reaches for their phone or camera before taking the shot.

Today’s round perfectly captured what makes golf in the Algarve so special: outstanding weather, exceptional course conditions, stunning scenery, and a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are visiting Portugal for a golf holiday or simply looking for a memorable round by the ocean, Pine Cliffs continues to deliver a first-class experience.

After mornings like this, it is easy to understand why so many golfers return to Pine Cliffs year after year.

Double Glory at Vidago Palace — AQUAPOR Circuit Finds Its Round Three Champions

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Luciana Reis’ 142-stroke aggregate topped every single competitor, while João Miguel Pereira is making a habit of winning.

For a tournament hosting 73 golfers in the hills of northern Portugal, the 3rd AQUAPOR Circuit 2026 produced remarkably clear outcomes. At Vidago Palace on 16–17 May, Luciana Reis (Arquitectos) and João Miguel Pereira (Aroeira) claimed the titles in the Women’s and Men’s competitions respectively — and both had to earn them. (Federação Portuguesa de Golfe)

Aquapor 3rd Round Winners

Reis Sets the Standard for Everyone

Luciana Reis led after day one, returning a 70 (-2) featuring seven birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey — a scoreboard that tells a story, not a fairytale. She closed with a composed 72 (par) on day two to finish at 142 (-2). Not just the best Women’s score. The best aggregate across all 73 competitors — fourteen women and 59 men. None of them scored lower. Francisca Rocha (Oporto Golf Club) took second in the Women’s category with 151 (+7), a margin that reflects just how controlled Reis was over two days. (FPG — Round 1 Report)

Pereira Holds Firm as the Field Slips

João Miguel Pereira entered day two level with Diogo Rocha (Oporto Golf Club), both having shot 71 (-1) on the opening round. Pereira’s second-round 74 (+2) wasn’t vintage form — but Rocha’s 79 (+7) made the arithmetic straightforward. Pereira won by a single stroke over João Maria Ivo de Carvalho (Estoril Golf Club), who closed with a tidy 71 to finish at 146 (+2). Rocha, so dangerous after day one, slipped to joint sixth. Golf, as ever, reserves the right to change the conversation overnight. (Federação Portuguesa de Golfe)

The Venue: Vidago Palace

Vidago Palace Golf Course

Vidago Palace is no ordinary backdrop for a national circuit event. Originally laid out by Scottish architect Mackenzie Ross in 1936 as a nine-hole course, it was reimagined by Cameron & Powell and reopened as a full par-72 championship layout in 2010. Set in the Oura Valley in northern Portugal — roughly an hour south of Chaves, near the Spanish border — the course winds through a centenary park before opening out into dramatic hillside terrain. The 17th, a par five played from the highest to the lowest point on the course, is the signature hole and one of the more theatrical finishes in Portuguese golf. The clubhouse was designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. (Vidago Palace)

A Season Taking Shape

Three events into the 2026 AQUAPOR Circuit, and Pereira already has two wins — a fact the rest of the field will be tracking with increasing attention. The circuit opened in January at Morgado do Reguengo, where Amélia Gabin (ADCQL) and José Miguel Franco de Sousa (Estoril Golf Club) took the honours. March brought Quinta do Perú and a first circuit win for Pereira alongside Francisca Salgado (Vale de Janelas). Vidago makes it a double for the Aroeira golfer in 2026. Five champions across three events; five different stories.

What’s Next on the Circuit

The AQUAPOR Circuit resumes at Palmares on 18–19 July — a course that trades northern mountain drama for Algarve coastline, with the beach at Meia Praia stretching out below its fairways. Estela follows in October, and the season concludes at Belas Clube de Campo in November.

If the circuit’s next stop has you thinking about a Portugal golf trip of your own, explore the Algarve’s finest courses — including Palmares — with Tee Times.